Adaptive Cruise Control with Dynamic Safe Distance Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adaptive cruise control systems rely on a static worst-case scenario safe distance, failing to account for secondary factors that may impact the actual safe distance required, leading to suboptimal vehicle spacing and safety.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic adaptive cruise control method that identifies a second vehicle and determines a safe travel distance based on both primary and secondary factors, including vehicle speed, road conditions, and tire condition, using sensors and modifiers to adjust the cruise speed and maintain a dynamically calculated safe distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a static worst-case scenario safe distance is used, then the system is simple and reliable, but the vehicle spacing is suboptimal and safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static safe distance to a dynamic safe distance that adjusts in real-time based on multiple factors. The controller continuously monitors primary factors (vehicle speeds, following distance) and secondary factors (road conditions, weather, vehicle load, brake condition, tire condition) to dynamically calculate the appropriate safe distance, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the safe distance parameter based on varying conditions. The controller adjusts the safe distance parameter dynamically by considering changes in road conditions (wet, icy, gravel), weather conditions (rain, snow, fog), vehicle conditions (load, brake fade, tire traction), and traffic conditions, thereby optimizing safety for each specific scenario rather than using a fixed worst-case value
2Ease of operation
If a static worst-case scenario safe distance is used, then the system is easy to operate, but the vehicle spacing is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically monitoring and adjusting the safe distance without requiring operator intervention. The controller continuously gathers data from multiple sensors (wheel speed sensors, brake pressure sensors, road condition sensors, weather sensors) and autonomously calculates the optimal safe distance, maintaining ease of operation while improving vehicle spacing efficiency through dynamic adjustment based on real-time conditions
3Measurement precision
If secondary factors are not considered, then the system is simpler, but the safe distance determination is less accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a multi-functional controller that integrates multiple monitoring functions into one system. The controller not only monitors primary factors (vehicle speeds and distance) but also integrates secondary factors (road conditions, weather, vehicle load, brake condition, tire condition) to comprehensively determine the safe distance, achieving high measurement precision through a unified multi-functional system rather than separate specialized systems
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic adaptive cruise control method for a first vehicle includes a controller disposed within the first vehicle identifying a second vehicle in a direction of travel of the first vehicle. The controller determines a distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle. The controller determines a safe travel distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle based at least in part on a set of primary factors and a set of secondary factors. The controller modifies a cruise speed of the first vehicle to maintain at least the determined safe travel distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle.